Move Over Miss USA(R): Reptiles Reign Supreme

PETCO(TM) Hosts Their 2nd Annual "Reptile Rally" Complete With a Reptile Beauty Pageant


SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attention Donald Trump: there's a new beauty pageant that will give Miss USA® a run for its money. Heads will turn when they see reptiles ruling the catwalk and strutting their scales at PETCO™'s 2nd annual "Reptile Rally" complete with a beauty contest. There are 13 million reptiles owned in the United States, according to the American Pet Product Association, and PETCO is inviting all of them to the event in hopes of educating squeamish potential pet parents on the joys of having a reptile in their home.

Join reptile lovers for the free event sponsored by Zoo Med on June 4-5, 2011, beginning at 1:00pm, to learn about unique reptiles through a variety of activities including guided, hands-on reptile education. The event aims to educate consumer on responsible pet ownership by providing information on habitat, diet and care. Reptiles are independent, adaptable creatures that make far less mess and commotion than some other companion animals. And since they are cold-blooded, they eat less than the average warm blooded pet, which can cut down on cost.

Reptile Rally Activities will include:

1:00pm Bearded Dragon Meet-n-Greet: A PETCO reptile specialist will let attendees get up close and personal with a bearded dragon. This interactive meet-n-greet allows participants to touch and pet the friendly pet.

1:30pm Ask the Specialist: an interactive Q & A session where guests will participate in a "how to" seminar on care, habitat and feeding.

2:00pm Reptile Scavenger Hunt: Kids of all ages can find different reptiles in the store and fill in the blanks on special questions to complete the task.

2:30pm The Long-Awaited Reptile Beauty Contest: Reptile owners are encouraged bring their reptiles for the pageant to show off their style. Geckos can show off their spots, dragons can puff out their beards or snakes are invited to strut their scales.  The first place winner of the Reptile Beauty Pageant will take home a blue ribbon and bragging rights on being the best looking reptile.

About PETCO 

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 7,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

Mia West

mwest@west-pr.com

619-501-2756

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